Unmanned systems were always going to make a big splash at DSEI this year, given their novel use in Ukraine, and the first day of the show at the Excel Centre in London didn’t disappoint with Israel Aerospace Industries unveiling its Rotem Alpha – Anti Tank VTOL tactical loitering munition

According to IAI, the tactical loitering munition represents a revolution in the technical and operational capabilities of loitering munitions. Equipped with a “field-proven” anti-tank warhead, a top-grade sensor suite, and long mission endurance, the Rotem Alpha has a long endurance in the air and when parked in perch mode. It can fly and hover at a low-altitude profile to build situational awareness and execute an attack, despite adverse weather conditions.

IAI says Rotem Alpha’s sensor suite autonomously detects and locates hostile enemy fires, like artillery, rockets, and missile launchers, and then investigates and engages in a direct attack using its electro-optical day and night seeker.

Rotem Alpha is man-portable. Alternatively, it can be mounted on a vehicle. Carried in a backpack or deployed from a vehicle, this loitering munition is ready for takeoff in less than two minutes. As a VTOL platform, it can be launched and landed between trees, structures, and other types of harsh terrain.

"Rotem Alpha is an innovative portable anti-tank loitering munition, leveraging IAI's heritage of combat-proven Loitering Munitions,” ays IAI's president and CEO, Boaz Levy. “Rotem Alpha addresses the up-to-date requirements of the modern battlefield. It's unique capabilities provide a key military advantage to the fighting unit."

According to a new report published by defence company Paramount, the seismic shift driven by the Russo-Ukrainian conflict means the loitering munitions market is poised for an unprecedented 525% explosion in growth between 2020 and 2024, with annual spending set to exceed $600 million in the coming years.

North America is expected to contribute the most expenditure over the decade, but Europe's expenditure on loitering munitions is forecast to increase by over 2000%, rising from 1.39% to 36% between 2021 and 2023, according to Paramount’s report. Most of the continent's spending can be traced to the Russo-Ukrainian War, with many nations taking short- or long-term measures to arm themselves for any possible future conflict.

Due to the conflict in Ukraine, short timelines primarily characterise procurements that have contributed to this expansion.

 However, Paramount says evidence is emerging in markets like Spain, Germany and France that some customers are moving to longer-term acquisitions, with programmes more often awarded to domestically produced systems, the producers of which are taking market share off incumbent suppliers.

 "This growth, especially in the European sector, aligns perfectly with our strategic direction,” commented Ivor Ichikowitz, founder of Paramount. “We're at DSEI because we're more than a manufacturer; we're focused on IP licensing and global partnerships. Our eyes are set on Europe and the UK for pioneering these partnerships."

Steve Griessel, Group CEO of Paramount says its report on Loitering Munitions underscores the need for agile, adaptable solutions. He also took the opportunity to announce the company’s N-Raven loitering munition system designed with the evolving battlefield in mind.

Griessel says Paramount's N-Raven fills the gap in both asymmetrical and symmetrical warfare scenarios. The N-Raven is engineered for quick technology transfer, enabling domestic manufacturing within the customer country.

 "N-Raven, with its focus on portability and indigenous production, exemplifies our commitment to shaping collaborative defence solutions for today's rapidly changing scenarios,” he says. “Our solution provides not just advanced capabilities but also offers economic advantages that align perfectly with the findings of our collaborative report.”